'He was the epitome of a volunteer in our community,' Orillia honours drowning victim
As Orillia gets ready to celebrate Christmas in June, there's a void rippling throughout the community following the recent death of resident Chris Bellchambers.
"We really lost a family member, so it makes it a tough, quiet Christmas," said Allan Lafontaine, Chamber of Commerce executive director.
Setup up for the event, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, most likely would have included Bellchambers, who was known to be an avid volunteer.
"His enthusiasm was infectious. Everything I did as an event he was basically involved in. That spilled over to all the events in the community," said Doug Bunker, Chamber of Commerce events coordinator.
Bellchambers died on Saturday after falling into the water at Couchiching Beach Park. He was 42.
Chris Bellchambers is seen in this undated photo. (Photo Courtesy: Linda Goodall, Lighthouse executive director)
Flags can be seen flying at half-mast around the city while reflective vests line the downtown in his honour.
"He always wore an orange jacket, so he was identifiable, and we convinced him of that because he was always on his bike," Bunker said.
In 2013, Bellchambers received the Order of Orillia in recognition of his years of service.
A petition now circulates town to rename the award after him.
"He was the epitome of a volunteer in our community. He was there for everything. He never came out for recognition and didn't come out for pay," said Linda Goodall, Lighthouse executive director. "He just came out because he wanted to help people, and it brought him joy."
It was that joy many say sparked a sense of community spirit in those who knew him.
"It's a wonderful community, but I would say it's a little less wonderful than it was with Chris in it. He just did so many things and set a great example for everybody else," Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke said.
The City of Orillia said it's planning something to honour his memory which may incorporate something embracing his love for Lego.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.